Damage guide
Water damage
Water damage usually starts inside the property — a failed supply line, an overflowing appliance or a roof leak. Acting promptly to stop the source and dry the area can limit further damage.
Water damage and flood damage are often treated differently by insurance policies. See the flood page if water entered from outside at ground level.
Immediate safety considerations
- • If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, do not enter the area. Contact your utility or a licensed electrician.
- • Shut off the main water valve if you can do so safely.
- • Watch for sagging ceilings, which can collapse.
- • Treat water from unknown sources as potentially contaminated.
If anyone is in danger, call 911.
How to document the damage
- Only document damage once it is safe to be in the area.
- Take wide photos of each room, then close-ups of specific damage.
- Record a short video walkthrough narrating what you see.
- Write down the date and time you discovered the damage.
- Keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, when it is safe and sanitary to do so.
- Save receipts for emergency supplies, temporary repairs and lodging.
When to contact your insurer
Many policies ask policyholders to report losses promptly and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Review your policy for notice requirements and contact your insurer or agent as soon as practical.
We can't tell you whether a loss is covered — only your policy and insurer can.
Professionals who may help
Common terms
- Mitigation
- Steps taken to prevent damage from getting worse, such as extracting water and drying.
- Sudden and accidental
- Policy language some insurers use to distinguish abrupt events from gradual leaks. Its meaning depends on your specific policy.
- Category of water
- Industry classification of water by contamination level, from clean to grossly contaminated.
Questions to ask potential contractors
- • Are you licensed for this work in my state or city? Can I see the license number?
- • Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can you provide certificates?
- • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate before starting?
- • Who will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?
- • What are your payment terms? (Be cautious of large upfront payments.)
- • Will you obtain any required permits?
- • Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs?
- • What will you need from me to support documentation for my insurer?